Standardization in additivemanufacturing : Recommended parameters and fixture solutions for hybrid printing

Abstract: This study analyses and examines the hybrid printing process at Uddeholms AB in Hagfors.The objective of this study is to present recommended parameters to achieve optimal printingresults in a newly developed steel as well as a steel powder material designed for additivemanufacturing.The study showed that the best results occurred when printing on metal in a delivery state,with a thin layer thickness and double exposure. This resulted in full density in the fusion zoneand a gradient hardness change compared to a linear hardness change which was achievedwhen using single exposure. This leads to a lower chance of crack initiation due to internalstresses in the material.Additionally, a fixture system is presented that can fixate a variety of geometriessimultaneously. The use of this fixture system leads to a reduction in lead time by up toapproximately 85% comparing to the fixture solution in use today. Another benefit is theincreased economic sustainability since the operator does not need bespoke fixturing solutionsfor specific jobs.To achieve optimal properties of the printed detail, the parameters presented in this studyshould be used in conjunction with the fixture system.